Are you getting error message “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45) ? Don’t be alarmed, this post is meant just for you.

Several peripheral devices may be connected to the PC such as USB, mouse, keyboard, and other USB connected devices. Error code 45 pops up most especially on Windows 10 PC when the OS is unable to communicate with the connected device. The error implies that the connected hardware device is not being recognized by Windows, hence the error message.

However, this error can also be caused by corrupt Windows registry keys, outdated device drivers, or faulty hardware. Meanwhile, we have come up with applicable solutions for the error code 45 problem.

Windows 10 won’t recognize hardware? Try these solutions

Solution 1 – Repair PC Registry

The simplest way to repair your Windows registry is to use a dedicated tool, such as CCleaner. Alternatively, you can also use Microsoft’s System File Checker to check for system file corruption. The utility program verifies the integrity of all system files and repairs files with problems when possible. Here’s how to run an SFC scan on all Windows’ versions:

Solution 3 – Update Drivers

Click on the category of the affected device (such as USB, mice, keyboards, etc) to expand it.

Right-click on the affected driver and click on Update Driver Software.

Follow the prompts to update the device driver.

If you want to update all your drivers automatically, you can always use third-party solutions such as TweakBit Driver Updater. By using this tool, you’ll update all your drivers automatically with just a couple of clicks.

Solution 4 – Run Windows Update

In addition, you can fix code 45 error problem by updating your Windows 10 OS to the latest version. Microsoft constantly releases Windows updates so as to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues and errors associated with the startup error. Follow these steps to update Windows 10 OS:

Go to Start>type update in the search box and then click on Windows Update to proceed.

In the Windows Update window, check for updates and install the available updates.

After the update is complete, restart your Windows PC.

Solution 5 – Uninstall and Reinstall Driver

Windows users reported that they were able to solve the code 45 error problem by trying out this fix. Here’s how to do this:

Download and install the hardware’s driver from the official manufacturer’s website or Microsoft’s driver download center.

Solution 6 – Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

One of the simplest ways of fixing the hardware device connectivity problem is to run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. This feature checks for occurring issues and enables the correct installation of new hardware devices. Here’s how to run the troubleshooter:

Go to Start > Select Control Panel.

Now, go to View by option at the top right corner, click the drop-down arrows, and then select Large icons.

Click Troubleshooting > Click on the View all option at the left pane.

Hence, click on Hardware and Devices. Follow the prompts to run the troubleshooter.

Solution 7 – Replace the USB Device

If you are still experiencing the code 45 error problem after trying all the fixes above, it is most likely that the device may be faulty. Some hardware devices are not genuine, hence, they do not last longer. You fix the faulty device if you have a good technical knowledge or consider consulting a computer engineer to help you fix it.

However, we do recommend that you purchase a new device and install it on your Windows PC normally. This will prevent the “currently this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (code 45) error” on your PC.

We’d love to hear from you if these solutions helped. Let us know your experience by leaving your comment in the section below.

FAQ: Learn more about Hardware device not connected error 45

How do I reconnect a hardware device?

Once you connected your device back, turn on the computer and wait for it to load completely. Usually, it will detect hardware changes and perform an automated install. If not, go to the support website of your device and download the drivers. Install them according to the instruction and reboot if necessary.

How do I enable hidden devices in Device Manager?

Click Start and search for device manager. In the Device Manager window, in the menu bar, select View and tick the Show hidden devices option.

How do you fix Currently this hardware device is not connected error?

Closely follow the instructions in this article. Perform a driver update, fix your registry and run the troubleshooter from Windows.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2017 and has been since revamped and updated in May 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.